Behind Those Eyes | Aonung (Enemies to Lovers)

24. return to awa'atlu

Death.

Everyone will have to face it eventually, but no one knows when that time will come.

Undoubtedly, Aonung would have died today if Katiya had not been in pain from her burn still.

She had to move gently, carefully, and slowly, almost to the point of frustration. Hence, for now, she spared his life.

They were greeted by the Tayrangi elder from last night, who checked in on Katiya and updated them on Ta'unui's situation.

Due to the massive destruction of village homes, the Olo'eykte of Tayrangi planned to stay a few more days to help them rebuild.

"What about the villagers? Was anyone injured?" Aonung asked, crouched on the floor beside Katiya.

"No, thank Eywa. Many homes were destroyed, but no wounded. As of now, I have a few villagers preparing materials for your return home."

"Thank you," Aonung said, nodding.

A smile spread across the elderly man's face as he turned to face Katiya.

"I believe there are some people you would also like to see. They journeyed here last night before the two of you," he said, getting up. "Come. Let me take you to them."

Katiya's eyebrows furrowed, and she exchanged confused glances with Aonung.

"Who?" she asked warily.

"If they had not informed the Olo'eykte of Ta'unui's situation, we would not have known about it," the elderly man replied, guiding Katiya and Aonung outside toward the edge of the shore where large rocks protruded from the forest behind it.

Katiya's eyes lit up when she spotted Neteyam feeding his ikran with Rotxo. Next to him, Kiri and Spider were perched on a rock, chatting and laughing playfully.

The concern on Katiya's face immediately disappeared as she ran towards them.

"Brother! Kiri!" She called to her siblings, drawing their attention to her.

Kiri's eyes widened as she hopped off the rock and embraced Katiya.

"Kati! Oh, Great Mother, you're alright," she whispered, burying her face in Katiya's hair.

Katiya gently pulled away and cupped Kiri's face, carefully inspecting her for possible injuries.

"I'm fine, I'm fine," Kiri reassured her, removing her hands. "We left as soon as Neteyam and Spider found us. But you... you..."

She paused, her eyes focused on the fabric covering Katiya's burn on her chest.

Katiya forced a smile. "It's nothing. I'm okay."

She took Kiri's hands and gently squeezed them. Then, Neteyam pulled Katiya around and hugged her.

"Glad you guys made it safely. I was trying to find you and Aonung, but this morning, Ta'ukto told us you guys were here," he said, breathing a sigh of relief.

"Ta'ukto?" Katiya looked up at him with furrowed eyebrows.

"That is me," said the Tayrangi elder, raising his hand with a smile.

"How's your burn, Kati? Is it severe?" Neteyam asked, worry in his eyes.

Spider cleared his throat awkwardly as he hopped off the rock and approached Katiya.

"Sorry... I told them what had happened. You got hurt because of me. Thank you for saving me, Kati," he said, gazing at her with sincerity.

"Seriously, why is it that every time you two end up together, one of you is always hurt?" Neteyam asked, a playful tone in his voice as he glanced at Aonung.